Know before you vote
Nebraska voters face decisions touching every aspect of life — from the classroom to the doctor’s office. We compiled information about the candidates and races for three key offices, along with judges and ballot measures, to help you fill out your ballot.
Important dates and deadlines
| Early voting begins (via mail-in ballot) | Monday, Sept. 30 |
| Voter registration deadline | By mail and online: Friday, Oct. 18 In person: Friday, Oct. 25 |
| Mail-in ballot request deadline | Friday, Oct. 25 |
| Election Day | Tuesday, Nov. 5 |
Find your districts
Not sure which races will be on your ballot? Enter your zip code or address and we’ll show you!
Meet the candidates
Learn more about the candidates and where they stand on the issues in races for Nebraska Legislature, University of Nebraska Board of Regents and the State Board of Education, and see how licensed attorneys across the state evaluated each judge up for retention this election cycle.
Nebraska Legislature
Nebraska’s 49 state senators are tasked with writing and amending laws and appropriating state funds.
University of Nebraska Regents
Regents make decisions for the University of Nebraska system, including approving the budget and tuition rates.
State Board of Education
The Board of Education oversees education standards and forms policy, which must then be approved by the governor.
Judges
Nebraskans vote on whether appointed judges should be retained.
Ballot Measures
Ballot measures are the most direct way voters participate in changing Nebraska’s laws and Constitution. This election marks a record for the most ballot measures that got on the ballot via the initiative and referendum process, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Learn more »
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need my ID to vote?
Legislation passed in 2023 required Nebraskans to carry an ID with them in order to vote. An ID can be expired as long as it’s from a political subdivision from Nebraska. A private school’s identification card, for instance, would not work.
How do I vote early?
Applications to vote early are due Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.
The application can be mailed or faxed to you from the county election office or found online. The form can be mailed or faxed to the office. You can also email your county election office a picture or scan of an application that’s physically signed. To complete the application, you will need to provide a photocopy or write your driver’s license or state identification number on your early voting ballot application.
A reasonable impediment certification form can be submitted if you have a disability or illness that prevents them from having a valid photograph, a religious objection to having your photo taken or unable to obtain documents to receive a voter ID.
I forgot my ID. What do I do?
You can return to the polls with your ID if you forgot it. Or you can cast a provisional ballot, which will only count if an acceptable voter ID is presented to the county election office by the end of Tuesday, Nov. 12. The office can’t receive ID numbers provided over the phone.
What DMV locations issue IDs?
Any driver licensing office can issue IDs. You can find a list of those locations here.
What paperwork do I need to get an ID?
To receive a state identification card you need:
- A document with your social security number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Two documents proving your main address in Nebraska
If I don’t have a birth certificate, how do I get one?
A birth certificate cannot be presented in replace of an ID though it can help you obtain an ID.
You can request your birth certificate for free as long as you indicate the purpose of obtaining the certificate is so you can receive an ID in order to vote. The documents you need to bring with you can be found here. Examples include state issued tribal card, learner’s permit, passport card, inmate card, military ID or a concealed carry permit permanent resident card. If none of those documents are readily available, the state will also accept a pair of documents, such as a paycheck stub received in the last 30 days and a current car insurance or registration.
More information about obtaining a free birth certificate can be found here.
Does the ballot look different for each political party?
No, not for the general election. A primary election will have members of a party vote for a fellow member to advance in the election. The general election gives the choice between a Republican and Democrat for partisan elections or two candidates for nonpartisan positions.